Written by Addie Marzinske | Archived Nov. 10, 2020

Advent:

Celebrated in the Christian faith, it is the four Sundays preceding Christmas day

Chalica:

Celebrated by some Unitarian Universalists, takes place the first week of December

Hanukkah:

Celebrated in the Jewish faith, Sunday December 2 beginning at sunset

Krampusnacht:

Celebrated in some Alpine countries, December 5 marks the night before Saint Nicholas visits. Krampus is known as Saint Nicholas’ devilish companion who punishes the bad children the night before

Saint Nicholas Day:

Celebrated in parts of Europe, December 6

Bodhi Day:

Celebrated in the Buddhist faith, December 8 known as the Day of Enlightenment, celebrating the day the Historical Buddha experienced enlightenment

Feast of the Immaculate Conception:

Celebrated as a public holiday in many Catholic countries, December 8 celebrated as the day of Virgin Mary’s immaculate conception

Saint Lucia’s Day, also called the Feast of Saint Lucia:

Celebrated in the Christian faith, December 13

Las Posadas:

Celebrated in Latin America, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, and by Hispanics in the United States, beginning December 16 and ending December 24. Las Posadas is a novenario (nine days of religious observance)

Pancha Ganapati:

Celebrated in the Hindu faith, a modern five-day Hindu festival celebrated from December 21-25 in honor of Ganesha

Christmas Eve:

Celebrated in Christendom and Western society, December 24 The evening or entire day before Christmas Day, the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus

Christmas Day:

Celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike, December 25 an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ

Newtonmas:

An alternative to celebrating the religious holiday of Christmas, December 25

The Twelve Days of Christmas:

Also known as Twelvetide, is celebrated as a festive Christian season celebrating the Nativity of Jesus Christ. December 25 - January 6

Boxing Day:

Celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire, December 26

Saint Stephen’s Day:

Celebrated in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, December 26 celebrated as the Second Day of Christmas

Kwanzaa:

A celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the African diaspora in the Americas and lasts a week, December 26- January 1

Saint John the Evangelist Day:

Celebrated in Western and Christian religions, December 27

New Year’s Eve:

Celebrated by many countries, December 31

Hogmanay:

Celebrated by the Scottish as their own New Year’s Eve celebration, December 31

A list of holidays to celebrate in December